Earlier than expected, the Oregon Health Authority is lifting requirements for wearing masks on March 19th. The mandate for wearing masks indoors – including schools – was originally scheduled to lapse by March 31st. OHA says it based the decision on falling numbers of COVID infections and hospitalizations across the state. According to the OHA, daily COVID-19 hospitalizations have declined 48% since peaking in late January. Governor Kate Brown also announced that she will rescind her COVID-19 state of emergency declaration on April 1st.